Monday, October 31, 2011

What Are Autism Spectrum Disorders?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gail_Lynn]Gail Lynn
The term Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) refers to the range that experts put people in, based on the various autistic traits that they have. The "low end" of the spectrum includes all of the major characteristics of Autism. Meanwhile, the "high end" of ASD includes fully-socialized people whose behavior is nearly entirely "normal."
While there are several symptoms of ASD, here are some of the most common ones:
1. Communicative Impairment
a. Difficulty comprehending the meaning of figures of speech
People with Autism often have difficulty understanding the implied meaning of various figures of speech. These include:
antithesescolloquialismshumorhyperboleidiomsmetaphorsparadoxessarcasmslang
This is due to the abstract nature of such language functions. The verbal communication of people with Autism tends to be quite literal. To them, the words that they say only have literal meaning. However, the good news is that people with Autism can often be taught the meaning of different figures of speech. This will improve their overall communication skills with other people.
b. Inability to comprehend non-verbal communication
Children with ASD often don't naturally develop the ability to communication by using non-verbal communication. That can significantly impact a person's overall communication skills, since non-verbal communication comprises up to about three-fourths of a person's total communication. People with ASD often avoid eye contact when talking with someone. Sometimes they are unable to perform gestures such as pointing at an object or event. Vocal outbursts often result due a person with ASD becoming frustrated about his or her inability to communicate by using non-verbal communication effectively.
c. Repetition of phrases or sentences
People with Autism often make statements whose meaning and context seem incorrect. This can be due to various causes, such as simply hearing a certain word, phrase, or sentence. It can also result from various sources, such as people, commercials, or TV programs.
2. Imaginative Impairment
a. use of poetic conversation
This involves the expression of strong feelings and thoughts, and sometimes involves rhyme and rhythm.
b. intense focus
This typically involves intense focus on certain things and certain activities.
c. strict adherence to a routine
These routines aren't just ordinary day-to-day schedules, but instead tend to involve rituals and compulsions that can seem absolutely necessary to people with ASD.
d. inability to think abstractly
Just as people with Autism often have difficulty with figures of speech, so they also often have difficulty with the ability to think abstractly. As a result, instruction about abstract concepts is typically done by using concrete visuals.
e. excessive attention to details
Those people with ASD often show a keen sense of attention to detail. This can provide pros and cons in their day-to-day lives. However, it's important to note that it also can be an asset in the job market, where the skill is an extremely valued one.
3. Social Impairment
a. inability to notice tricks and scams
b. indifference or failure to make friends
c. lack of empathy
d. awkwardness
e. avoidance of eye contact
f. awkward social interactions
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Are-Autism-Spectrum-Disorders?&id=6610115] What Are Autism Spectrum Disorders?

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Why Is Special Education Needed With Autism?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Maxine_Wagner]Maxine Wagner
If your child has been diagnosed with autism, you need to get his or her life has normal and structured as possible so they can thrive in their environment. That includes obtaining the appropriate education. You need to find a school that caters to autistic children in order to have the right balance of education necessary in a structured class.
A special education teacher is specially trained to work with children with autism. They know how to help them understand and they work to build up a trust between themselves and the teacher. There are special training classes that a special education teacher must go through before they qualify to teach special education.

When first introducing your autistic child to their special education teacher, it is important to only speak kindly about him or her, even if you have a problem with the teacher. Don't ever pass those harsh feelings onto your child. If you do, your child may not feel as comfortable with the teacher as you want them to and this could ruin your child's day at school everyday.

On the first day, it is important that you take your child to school to meet his special education teacher. Don't cause over excitement in your child waiting on this day. Simply mention the new teacher's name and how they will learn new things with them. Your child needs to create a sense of acceptance and be prepared to adjust to their new structured schedule.

It's always important to keep things as steady as possible when it comes to your child's schedule. They need to start their schedule off on the right foot by going to bed at the same time each night. In the morning, you should have a routine that is easy to accomplish and can be done realistically. Don't set the standards so high that if you are sick or someone else is doing the schedule for you in your absence, they will have a hard time doing so. You want to offer your child a breakfast, an opportunity to get dressed, time for personal hygiene, and to have time to mentally adjust to the change from home to school.

While in school, the special education teacher should be able to combine a balanced curriculum based on your child's age and skill level, not based on their autism. However, this teacher is specially trained to deliver the curriculum to their students with autism.

No two children have the same symptoms when it comes to autism so a special education teacher with autism is usually careful about how many students they can have in their classroom due to the one-on-one attention that each student will need. In some schools, the teacher will have a helper that will be in charge of assisting one child throughout their day.
Your child will be able to be comfortable with this individual and depend on the individual to help them every day they are in school. The added help will depend on many factors such as how severe is the autism? Can your child function better with assistance or by themselves? Does your child need assistance with daily routines? Once it is determined what may be best for your child then the school will accommodate accordingly.
For the latest videos and training information on [http://www.childdevelopmentmedia.com/]child development as well as books and curricula on [http://www.earlysignsofautism.com/]Autism please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Is-Special-Education-Needed-With-Autism?&id=6624656] Why Is Special Education Needed With Autism?

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Autism Spectrum - Know The Facts

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Maxine_Wagner]Maxine Wagner
Autism is a developmental disorder that can affect the way that the individual communicates as well as socializes. In addition, there are also language skills as well as motor skills involved. A child with autism spectrum may have high IQ's or they may be mentally disabled. People with autism can be very talkative or they may be silent, very affectionate or completely distant, very organized or very disorganized. There are so many autism spectrum disorders and a wide variety of symptoms accompany them too.

Because parents are more aware of autism spectrum who is more at risk of developing autism? Boys are more at risk for developing autism than girls are. If a child has a twin, chances are the other twin will also develop some degree of autism spectrum.

There are many different symptoms of autism and they each react differently on every individual. While two people may have the same symptoms, they will not have the same degree of symptoms. People are not able to predict how mild or severe autism symptoms will be.

Autism is usually discovered around the age of two but it can have an impact on a child as early as infancy. When a child doesn't develop through the age appropriate milestones like they should this may be an indication that something is not completely right and must be checked out by the doctor. Developmental milestones are simply a way that doctors and health care professionals along with parents can determine if their child is on the right track. If by the age of two a child is not talking or doesn't socialize properly then you may want to have him or her tested to see if they do have autism.

When a child suffers from autism spectrum disorders there are various social skills that may make up the severity of the disease. A person with autism may become completely withdrawn in a crowd while others may feel intimidated by large crowds but function fine in a classroom setting. Most autistic children will not make any eye contact while others can make eye contact to a teacher or parent but not to strangers.

Autism is misunderstood and can be passed off as behavioral problems however when it is diagnosed it can be something that can improve with time. Be patient, learn what you can, and love the person with autism even if you think they don't want love; they need it.

Your child's doctor will know what to look for and can test your child to see if autism is a factor or not. If your child has autism then he or she can begin treatment immediately and can learn to live with this condition. It is also important that the family learn to live with autism just the same. There are many times that family feels at fault for the condition however this does not help the child. It is only beneficial to work with the child and the rest of the family to create a stable home environment where the child can feel safe.
For the latest videos and training information on [http://www.childdevelopmentmedia.com/]child development as well as books and curricula on [http://www.earlysignsofautism.com/]Autism please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Autism-Spectrum---Know-The-Facts&id=6624713] Autism Spectrum - Know The Facts

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

At What Age Does Autism Spectrum Disorder Begin?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Maxine_Wagner]Maxine Wagner
Autism spectrum disorder can be complicated to diagnose because there are no set symptoms that everyone can look for. It varies from child to child and so does the severity. Each disorder has a range of symptoms that sometimes can imitate more than one condition. However, with a parent's awareness and a doctor's diagnosis, a child's autism spectrum disorder can be diagnosed and progress made.
Signs that Autism spectrum disorder should be suspected
If by the age of twelve months your child is not making cooing sounds or babbling like babies do by this age, you may want to mention it to your Pediatrician. Your child should be gesturing at the age of twelve months; pointing, waving hello or good-bye, grasping at toys or a bottle. When your child doesn't do any of these then you may want to talk to your Pediatrician by the time the child is twelve months old. By the age of sixteen months, a child should be able to say their first word.
This is a single word that is plain, simple, and easy to interpret however if your child does not say the word by this age then you may also want to mention it to your child's doctor to make him aware of it. He or she may want to send your child to a speech therapist to determine if there is something else causing the interruption in speech or if your child could possibly have the autism spectrum disorder. By the age of two, your child should be saying two-word phrases without assistance or without mimicking you. If your child has started talking but suddenly stops saying anything or suddenly has a change in their social skills no matter what age, then you need to mention that to your doctor.
So a child can begin developing symptoms of autism spectrum disorder as early as twelve months of age but the most common is around sixteen to eighteen months when you are sure that the developmental milestones are not being reached. Your child may not make eye contact with you by this age, may have trouble pretending to play, cannot imitate you, has delayed communication skills, cannot point to people, objects, or animals to have you look at what they see, or cannot show attention to anything.
By the age of three, autism spectrum disorder symptoms are easy to recognize and should be treated as quickly as possible to help the child understand and learn to live with the symptoms too. They will need support from their parents, siblings, family members, caregivers, teachers, friends, neighbors, and more. Autism spectrum disorders can control how the day goes for everyone in the house so its important to seek help as soon as you find out whether your child has it or not. If your child is suffering from autism, you need to team up with other parents who may have children who are dealing with autism as well.
When you notice that your child is not reaching developmental milestones then you need to make your doctor aware even if he or she does not think that anything is wrong. Keep a watchful eye on your child and when it is time for the next developmental milestone to be crossed he or she may catch up and make it however if they do not then your doctor needs to listen to your concerns because you are the one taking care of your child and you are his or her advocate.
For the latest videos and training information on [http://www.childdevelopmentmedia.com/]child development as well as books and curricula on [http://www.earlysignsofautism.com/]Autism please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?At-What-Age-Does-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-Begin?&id=6624686] At What Age Does Autism Spectrum Disorder Begin?

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Music and the Autistic Child

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Zhang]Stephanie Zhang
In February of 2010, the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) hosted a professional, Nina Kraus, from Northwestern University speaking about cognitive-sensory connection between speech and music. During her presentation on the subject, Kraus said the following: "Indeed, musical experience can enhance the very auditory processes that are often deficient in clinical populations including developmental dyslexia and autism."
This statement backs up what many parents with autistic children have experienced firsthand when registering their children in childhood musical programs. Parents have long reported children opening up in music lessons in ways that they do not open up at home. This has led many parents to incorporate music in their homes, since it seems to be something that their autistic children really respond to in a positive, productive manner.
Quite a few studies have been done on the effects of music on childhood development, and the results have been positive. As Kraus discussed at the annual AAAS meeting, there is a connection between human speech, hearing and music. There have been instances of stroke victims who could not speak, but could sing clearly. This is just one example of how music interacts in the brain in amazing ways.
This extends to children as well, especially children with autism. Children become more cooperative with lessons when music is a part of the lesson. They are able to focus on one thing for a longer period of time if music is presented in some manner. Those with speech problems are able to improve through music while those struggling with eye contact can take great strides to meeting the eye of others through music lessons.
Take it from Myra J. Staum, Ph.D., the Director and Professor of Music Therapy from Willamette University. She wrote a piece on music therapy and language for autism.com, which touched on the power of music therapy for autistic children. She said that music is an effective form of therapy that can be used to enhance skill development with autistic children. Her reason for this comes down to the basic nature of music. She said it is "nonverbal" and "non threatening."
Staum goes on to explain how autistic children can be taught a variety of skills directly through music. This allows them to overcome a lot of their delays and developmental problems, so they function better in their daily lives.
Not all parents with autistic children have access to formal music therapy for their children, but that doesn't mean other forms of musical programs designed for children can't be used effectively. Parents with autistic children can easily surround their children with music and introduce music at home. With a little creativity, parents can even teach and guide children through music just as therapists are doing around the country.
A good children's musical program offered in the local community is a great start for autistic children. They will be encouraged to interact with other children, to use their brains and bodies in new ways, and to experience language from a musical perspective. Many children with autism love music and respond to it on a deep level that has not been experienced with anything else. All it takes to get that depth of response is constant exposure to music lessons in some capacity.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Music-and-the-Autistic-Child&id=6572125] Music and the Autistic Child

Friday, October 21, 2011

Medical Treatments for Autism

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gail_Lynn]Gail Lynn
What are the best treatments for Autism? Regardless of which ones are chosen, the overall goals are:
A) make the autistic person functionally independent, and B) to improve his or her quality of life. There are several types of Western treatments available for Autism. Here are some of the most common ones, along with some of their benefits and drawbacks:
1. Gluten-Free, Casein-Free (GFCF) Diet
Certain types of diets (i.e. gluten-free and casein-free diets) are often used to treat Autism patients. The goal of the GFCF diet is to eliminate the proteins Gluten and Casein from autistic people.
Pros:
Some clinical studies have indicated that GFCF diets can be somewhat beneficial in treating the various symptoms related to Autism. However, it should be stressed that the results are inconclusive at best.
Cons:
There is conflicting evidence that there's a link between Autism and digestion disorders. In fact, clinical studies on the issue are somewhat conflicting. It should also be noted that such diets have the potential to cause new health problems.
2. Dietary Supplements
Various types of dietary supplements can be used to treat people with Autism. For example, some studies have suggested that the combination of Vitamin B6 and Magnesium could be beneficial in effectively treating some symptoms of Autism. However, the studies conducted have been limited. Vitamin C might be somewhat beneficial in treating Autism. However, clinical studies have provided limited evidence of that, while high doses of Vitamin C could result in unwanted side-effects. Omega-3 fatty acids are a popular treatment for Autism patients, although clinical studies haven't verified their effectiveness for treating the disorder.
Pros:
The majority of dietary supplements for treating Autism have fairly mild side-effects. This is certainly a significant benefit over prescription medications, which often cause moderate-to-severe side-effects due to the powerful chemicals they contain.
Cons:
Minimal research has been conducted on dietary supplements, to determine how effective they are in treating Autism.
3. Prescription Medications
Physicians prescribe several types of medications to treat the symptoms of Autism. In fact, over half of all children in the U.S.A. diagnosed with Autism are prescribed certain types of medications. The most common types are:
antidepressants: used to treat conditions such as depression and anxiety disordersantipsychotics: tranquilizing medication used to treat psychosisstimulants: drugs used to provide improvements in one's physical and/or mental function Pros:
Clinical studies show that certain prescription medications seem to be effective in successfully treating certain types of Autism symptoms, such as irritability, tantrums, and aggression. In fact, the U.S.A.'s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved particular medications for treating certain symptoms of Autism. Other prescription medications seem to be somewhat effective in treating Autism, yet the FDA hasn't approved them for treating the disorder specifically.
Cons:
Various possible problems can result from the use of prescription medications to treat Autism. One is that different people will respond differently to various prescriptions, so it's crucial that physicians closely monitor how their patients react to various types of medications. Another possible problem is when an Autism patient receives a dosage that is higher than it should be. Yet another possible drawback of prescription medications is the human-made chemicals that they contain, which can cause an array of unwanted side-effects.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Medical-Treatments-for-Autism&id=6625121] Medical Treatments for Autism